Ted Ginn Jr. Named Head Coach of Columbus Aviators, UFL’s Newest Franchise
Ted Ginn Jr. is trading cleats for a clipboard.
The former Ohio State star and longtime NFL wide receiver has been named the first head coach of the Columbus Aviators, an expansion team in the United Football League (UFL). It’s a bold move for both Ginn and the franchise - not just because he’s never coached before, but because this hire speaks directly to the heart of football in Columbus.
Let’s be clear: Ginn Jr. is a Buckeye legend. During his time under Jim Tressel, he was one of the most electric playmakers in college football - a blur on special teams, a deep threat at wideout, and a nightmare for opposing coordinators.
His ability to flip the field with a single return made him must-see TV every Saturday. Now, he’s stepping into a very different kind of spotlight - as the face of a brand-new pro football team in a city that lives and breathes the game.
The Columbus Aviators are set to play at Historic Crew Stadium, marking the return of professional football to the city for the first time since the Arena Football League era. And while the UFL may not have the cachet of the NFL or college football, it’s carving out a space for itself - and bringing in a hometown hero like Ginn is a savvy way to generate buzz.
Here’s the twist: Ginn has no prior coaching experience. Not as a coordinator, not as a position coach - nothing.
This is his first crack at leading a team from the sideline. That’s rare air, even in a league like the UFL, where unconventional hires aren’t uncommon.
But it also underscores what the Aviators are banking on: that Ginn’s name, reputation, and deep ties to Ohio football will resonate with fans and players alike.
And they might be right.
Ginn’s football IQ has never been in question. He spent over a decade in the NFL, carving out a career as a reliable receiver and return man, known for his speed, work ethic, and professionalism. He’s been around elite coaches, elite systems, and elite talent - and while that doesn’t automatically translate to coaching success, it certainly gives him a foundation to build on.
He also knows what football means in Columbus. This isn’t just another stop on the map - it’s home. That connection could go a long way in building a culture for a team that’s starting from scratch.
Ginn joins a growing list of former Buckeyes who’ve taken the coaching plunge. Brian Hartline recently accepted his first head coaching job at USF, though he’ll stay on Ohio State’s staff through the College Football Playoff.
Eddie George, another Ohio State icon, is currently leading Bowling Green. Now, Ginn adds his name to that lineage - but in his case, he’s doing it at the pro level, and in a league that’s still finding its footing.
There’s no telling how this will play out. Maybe Ginn catches the coaching bug and eventually makes the leap to college or the NFL.
Or maybe he finds a home in the UFL, helping to shape the Aviators into a competitive, community-rooted franchise. Either way, it’s a fascinating new chapter for one of Ohio’s most beloved football sons.
One thing’s for sure: Columbus will be watching. And with Ted Ginn Jr. on the sideline, the Aviators just became a whole lot more interesting.